David Beckham has come to Thierry Henry's defence after many branded the France striker a cheat for his handball in the build up to France's crucial goal against Ireland in the World Cup qualifier play-off.

Henry handled the ball twice before passing to team-mate William Gallas to score the equalising goal in the second leg, giving France a 2-1 aggregate win to secure a place in the 2010 World Cup. The incident prompted a furious reaction with many calling the former Arsenal player a cheat. France's economy minister Christine Lagarde even hinted as much when she suggested that Fifa look at replaying matches when 'cheating' was involved.

But Beckham said: "I honestly didn't think Thierry meant it. I know him as a player and a person. He's a good person and a great player. It's a shame to see Ireland go out because they have such great fans but these things happen in football. I really don't think he meant it. I've had a few headlines in the past which have not been nice but I don't think he is a cheat."

Asked whether he would have done the same thing in a similar situation, Beckham told Sky Sports News: "Who knows in that situation? You're playing in a qualifier to go through to the World Cup, you don't know what you're doing. I've been involved in big games and reacted to certain things and looked back and thought I was wrong to do that."